1st July 2009
Dear Parents
Unfortunately, we now have one further confirmed case of Influenza A type H1N1 on the main school site. However the school remains open as stated in the previousletter.
Yours sincerely
David Dobson
Headmaster
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30th June 2009
Dear Parents
Unfortunately, we now have one confirmed case of Influenza A type H1N1 on the main school site. This pupil has not attended school since Thursday 18th June. To date all other results have been negative.
The advice now given to schools by the Health Protection Agency is that schools should not close. However, we believe that parents should be informed of the situation and if you choose to keep your child at home for the remaining three days of term then we will understand your decision.
Yours sincerely
David Dobson
Headmaster
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We are hoping that there will be no further confirmed cases of Influenza A type H1N1 and that we may be able to keep the school open until the end of term.
If so, then the normal end of term service will take place on the front lawn at 3 pm on Friday afternoon and parents are invited.
In the event of wet weather then the service will be in the Chapel for pupils only.
School will end as normal at 4 pm when parents will be very welcome to take a cup of tea in the Library and say ‘goodbye’ to the Headmaster.
The mini buses will depart as usual at 4.10 pm.
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19th June 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian
Following a number of Sixth Form students becoming ill on Monday 15th June, the school immediately contacted the local Health Protection Unit. As a result of this action, the Health Protection Agency agreed on Wednesday night to test a number of sixth form students.
The Health Protection Agency has informed the school today that nine of our sixth form pupils have tested positive for influenza A type H1N1 (also known as ‘swine flu’).
The pupils are receiving the antiviral medication and recovering away from other students. The HPA, following national guidance, is offering preventative antiviral drugs to all other sixth form pupils, and household members (ie families) who have been in close contact with the confirmed cases and those that are unwell, teachers and other relevant staff who have been in close contact with the confirmed cases.
Following a risk assessment carried out by the HPA and the local NHS primary care trust, the school has been advised that no other actions are necessary and the school can remain open as usual.
The school is working closely with the Health Protection Agency and NHS colleagues to ensure this outbreak is being managed appropriately.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely
David Dobson
Headmaster
ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION
If you or your child develops symptoms of flu-like illness (such as high temperature, cough, headache, runny noses, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or sore throat) the advice of the Health Protection Agency is to stay at home and follow these steps:
1st Visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk for information and FAQs about Swine Flu along with an online flu symptom checker.
2nd Ring the national Swine Flu Information Line 0800 1 513 513. This provides pre-recorded information about Swine Flu.
3rd Call the NHS Direct telephone service 0845 4647. If you have flu-like symptoms and have internet access, you will be asked to try our online flu symptom checker first. If necessary, you will be able to request a call back from an advisor. Otherwise you may be asked to hold to speak to someone who can help.
4th Contact your GP over the phone.
Good basic hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice.
For more information on swine flu call the national information line on 0800 1 513 513. Alternatively, visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk.
Should you be contacted by the media about this outbreak, please do not give any information but ask them to contact NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly press office on 01726 71014.
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Welcome to The Bolitho School, an Independent Day and Boarding School for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, set in several acres of tranquil grounds close to the centre of Penzance.
The continuity and stability, which come from attending a school from nursery to sixth form, are to be greatly valued in an ever challenging and changing world. As a relatively small School with just 350 pupils, we can guide and support everyone, while making appropriate demands of each pupil’s intellect and energy. The greatest compliment paid to us by children, parents, visitors and past pupils is that we have a warm and unique family atmosphere that permits both individuality and a community spirit to thrive.
The Bolitho School is a place where hard work and enjoyment sit comfortably side by side. Our children are busy, dynamic, happy and successful. Among the indicators of success over the years are the very good public examination results achieved by pupils of all abilities. That our children achieve so much is partly due to the commitment, expertise and dedication of our well-qualified and experienced teaching staff.
The School’s stated aim is ‘To bring out the potential of every child, to do so in a Christian environment and to offer a rounded education that aims at the highest academic standards.’ At The Bolitho School we have a successful Bilingual Section in the School in which children from the age of eight are taught one third of their lessons conducted through the medium of French for five years. To ensure that the children receive a genuinely rounded education, music, art, drama and sports are firmly embedded into the curriculum. and every pupil is encouraged to participate. We also utilise our fleet of nine minibuses to offer numerous outings, field trips and expeditions.
Much can be learned about the school by talking to parents and pupils, both past and present. We are confident that they will confirm that The Bolitho School is an outstanding, happy and effective School with an excellent ethos for learning. I look forward to meeting you and you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.
David Dobson BA BPhil MA